355 Tow Hook

I'm not speaking from first hand experience (never had the front facsia off) but it probably isn't replaceable. Just run a tap into the hole and knock the rust right out.


Rob

 

+ 1

It only becomes an issue if you break down or do a track day & need a tow - because the spoiler is low its difficult to attach the line to the suspension and then get good leverage

 

Easy done Steve, just run a tap down there and spray some WD 40 in there ot clean the thread out and to stop it from rusting next time.

Only need tow hook if you break down I guess.

 

I broke down last week - regulator died and lost all power. Waited 2 hrs for a low loader (middle of nowhere)
My tow hook was rusted too - as it was unserviceable (and going dark) it took nearly two hours to get it onto the low loader -only way was by winching the back of the car (cable round the axle) and as the from spoiler was so oow to the ground the front tyres needed leveraging up with bricks to keep from damage - one brick at a time, wiching inch by inch!!. Successful in the end (and a great serviceman) but the stress was un real. Strongly suggest all you guys check the tow hook if you are going to drive more than 10 miles from home!!!

 

Does it look like a smooth hole in there, or just rough and brown? It's strong steel, so I don't see why it would be stripped or corroded bad enough to be oversize.
Don't remember what thread it is, maybe 12x1.5. Put some WD40 on a tap and try that first.

 

I believe it's M16 x 2, but to be sure, just bring your tow hook when you buy your tap.

 

Thread totally gone?

It may just be full of crap mate.

I will inspect mine when I take the car out next, you have my intrigued now.

I looked at my tow hook (have tool kit inside the house). It looks to be a M16x2 to me also.

But I also concur, take it with you when you go to buy a tap.

Speaking of which, Im taking mine to work with me to so I can match up a tap so I can tap mine out too.

 

There definately is a hole isnt there? Its not just a case of the spacer being fitted upside down when the bumper has been removed and repainted, is it? This spacer can be fitted upside down, so the access/threaded hole can not be reached because its blocked of.

 

They come in handy when you want to add a timing strut as well. One way or another an essential accessory. The hills challenge hook is also a work of art if you really want to go one better! http://www.hillengineering.co.uk/catalog/towing-eyes-c-19.html?osCsid=abd842051abcb7adc00a1b2ca519ad08
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I am definitely not a fan of WD-40 when using a tap, even if I'm thread chasing.

I always use a cutting oil specifically for tap/die use even if the thread area is corroded.

When done I use Gibbs Brand penetrant to prevent oxidation.

 

Who wants to spend $50 on a tub of cutting compound to "clean" 20 threads in a tow hook they may never use?

When cutting a new hole, I always use cutting compound. If I just clean the thread up, then I use whatever is nearest, if at all. But I always use something to clean/blow the crap out of the hole.

In his case, WD-40 is easy to get at his local hardware shop and best of all, its cheap.

And it IS a M16x2 pitch. I brought a bottoming tap home from work to check mine.
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Just when I was thinking about how nice it would be to live in AU you tell me cutting oil is $50...YIKES!!

USA I guess is more economically doable for me seeings how I just purchased some cutting oil at the local hdwe store for $7.......lol

 

Lol, tell me about it mate.

Most things are expensive here. Realestate, cars, cutting compound.

Hopefully it work outs for you man.